Kalunasan says no to cemetery

CEBU, Philippines - No to a cemetery in our midst.

This was the rallying call of Barangay Kalunasan’s residents and associations who trooped to the Sports Complex in an effort to block the planned establishment of a 4.2-hectare cemetery at the Osmeña shrine for the Evangelical Christian Coalition of Cebu.

In yesterday’s public hearing, residents and officers of different associations called on Cebu City South Rep. Tomas Osmeña not to push through with the plan.

Edmund Vinzon, president of Villa Remedios Association, believes that putting up a cemetery will contaminate their sources of drinking water, most of which are deep well.

“Kasagaran namo nga nagpuyo nagsalig ra gyud sa deep well,” Vinzon said, adding that Osmeña should consider putting a cemetery at the South Road Properties (SRP) or somewhere else outside Kalunasan.

Vinzon, who admitted he has been an Osmeña supporter, says that the former mayor he will lose votes if he pushes through with the plan.

Another resident who also opposes the plan pointed out that as it is, their barangay already has two jail facilities.

Osmeña told the residents that he had expected the opposition to the plan.

“I expect nga naa gyud resistance. Dili gyud ko makahatag og nindot ninyong tubag. Ato lang gyud timbang-timbangon ang tanan,” Osmeña said.

The former mayor wants to develop the area as memorial park for all religions.

“Who likes it? Where will I put them? Where will I go? You want me to put the cemetery, where, at the SRP? We are selling SRP for P150 million per hectare and we will put the cemetery there?” Osmeña said.

He admitted his move will bring him a major loss in terms of votes. But he said he will shelve his plan if those who oppose it have valid grounds. Kalunasan Barangay Captain Nunilon Monares said he will oppose the move if it is the clamor of the residents.

Last month, the residents signed petition against the plan for a cemetery.

The Beverly Hills Association, Incorporated in a letter signed by Jose Gapas and Noel Belonguel, the president and vice-president, respectively, told Mayor Michael Rama of their opposition.

They said a cemetery is not suitable in their place, a residential area.

If the plan pushes through, the health of the residents would be at risk not to mention the contamination of their water sources. (FREEMAN)